“Sanctify them by the truth.”
On November 27, Evangelical Focus reported that the UK Supreme Court had confirmed a ruling on November 19 declaring that the religious education (RE) curriculum in Northern Ireland’s primary schools—based on the premise that “Christianity is the absolute truth”—does not meet European human rights standards.
The case began when a child began praying before meals at home, prompting the parents to raise concerns that the school’s Christian-centered education presented a particular faith as absolute truth.
The parents argued that schools in Northern Ireland had violated their obligation to respect religious and philosophical beliefs, as guaranteed under Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights. In 2022, the High Court found that the current RE curriculum fell short of human rights standards, as it did not offer a balanced treatment of different religions and was based on the assumption that Christianity is the only true faith.
In 2024, the Court of Appeal acknowledged the Christian-centered approach but ruled it was not a violation of human rights, citing that parents could exercise their right to withdraw their children from RE classes. However, the Supreme Court overturned this decision, stating that the existing curriculum must be completely restructured to be “objective, critical, and pluralistic.”
The Court clarified that the ruling is not about promoting secularism, reducing the presence of Christianity, banning school worship, or infringing on the authority of the Department of Education. Instead, the issue lies in the need to fundamentally reform the way religious education is delivered.
Following the ruling, the civic group Humanist NI welcomed the decision as a “historic victory for children’s rights in Northern Ireland” and called for the abolition of mandatory collective worship across the UK.
Conversely, Jim Allister, a conservative politician from the Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV), criticized the Court’s use of the word “indoctrination,” calling it “an inflammatory term that insults teachers, parents, and Christian traditions.” Church leaders responded cautiously, saying they would review the ruling before issuing a statement.
Some theologians have questioned whether it is truly possible to approach matters of faith with objectivity and critical analysis, and whether it is educationally appropriate to expect such critical thinking from young primary school students.
As the Supreme Court has now distinguished between religious education and collective worship—but stated that both must meet human rights standards—there is growing pressure to also revise how school worship services are conducted. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s non-religious population has increased from 10.1% in 2011 to 17.4% in 2021, further strengthening the context of a diversifying society. As a result, structural changes appear inevitable, including reforms to the religious education curriculum, worship practices in schools, and greater parental choice. (Source: Evangelical Focus, Edited Version)
They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. (John 17:16-17)
God, we ask You to rebuke the ruling of the Supreme Court in the U.K. that labels Christian-based education as indoctrination, seeks to restrict school worship, and hinders the teaching of Your Word to the next generation. Tear down the evil schemes of Satan that slander the Bible—the Word of truth—as a tool of narrow-minded propaganda. Restore holiness in every school and home through Your truth. Proclaim the gospel to the children of the U.K., that they may be raised as children of the Lord, not of this world. Through them, let the gospel of Your kingdom be spread throughout the U.K. and all of Europe.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
